A pensioner was left fighting for his life after getting trapped in a burning car.

The 70-year-old suffered serious burns during the incident in Longsight, Manchester, yesterday afternoon.

It is believed the victim may have tried to light a cigarette moments before the fire started.

Police, fire and ambulance crews rushed to the blazing vehicle on Slade Lane, after reports that a pensioner was trapped inside.

The emergency services arrived at the scene, near the junction with Clitheroe Road, at around 1.50pm.

The elderly man, who is believed to live locally, was pulled from the car and found to be suffering from serious burns to his lower body and legs.

He was also suffering from smoke inhalation and was given oxygen treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital by paramedics.

He remained in a critical condition last night.

Fire teams put out the fire and made the vehicle safe. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed: "Police and firefighters attended and a discovered a 70-year-old man with severe burns to his lower body."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "We have investigators who are looking at how and why the fire started."

Anyone who witnessed the fire, or has any information should contact police on 0161 872 5050.